The Straight Line

The defense for Dan Campbell's play calling is that he lived by the sword, died by the sword all year. The issue is that it didn't need to be that way. If somehow play calling decisions were made to protect kicker Mike Badgley then the issue lies with GM Brad Holmes. It's irresponsible to enter the playoffs with that big of a liability. We'll see how this exit effects the Lions next season with an unfinished business mentality.

There is something to be said about sticking to a plan, but you have to adjust to the moment. Dan Campbell's decision to not kick field goals created unnecessary stress for Lions players. With the division becoming increasingly difficult, its hard to say the Lions will be back next year. The Ravens had success running the ball all year. The Chiefs weakness in defending the run seemed like a receipt for success. However, the Ravens abandoned the run and the offense sputtered. Ryan discusses what's next for the Lions and Ravens. Gives an early preview to the Super Bowl, which as already seen line movement.

The G.O.A.T head coach is still a free agent. It's amazing that a team like Atlanta passed on Belichick after two meetings. Fresh off a National Championship Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is headed back to the NFL with the Chargers. Of the four QB's still standing whose legacy would benefit the most from a Super Bowl win this year? Ryan breaks down the NFC/AFC Championships with his best bets and parlays.

The Chiefs have once again proved the playoffs is where they make their money. Taking down the Bills in Buffalo for their sixth visit to the AFC Championship in as many years. Brock Purdy has found himself back in the NFC Championship game for the second straight year. Ryan will say it again, stop discounting Purdy and the things he's accomplished! Ryan dives into each of the four teams eliminated in the divisional round and whether or not their window has closed.

It has arrived! The best weekend in football! Last weekend we had more games but also saw a few blowouts. This week though, we get the teams playing at their best. Ryan gives his game by game preview of each matchup as well as his best bets and SGP's. The news of the week revolved around what Jerry Jones would do following the blowout home loss to the Packers. For the moment it appears not much. While most expected McCarthy to take the fall for another Dallas disappointment. Jerry Jones stood by his head coach and said Mike McCarthy will be back next season.

The Steelers battled hard Monday but lost the turnover battle and ultimately the game. The Bills will now host Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in one of the most anticipated games of the Divisional round. The Steelers may have a problem on their hands with WR George Pickens. His actions during the game made him look like a child playing in a man's game. The Dolphins could not handle the cold or the Chiefs Saturday night. The Fins got what they had coming after losing to Bills in week 18, failing to secure a division title and more importantly a home playoff game. The Eagles and the Cowboys both got embarrassed over the weekend. Leading many to question what changes need to be made for both NFC East teams.

The Patriots wasted no time filling their head coaching vacancy with linebacking coach Jerod Mayo. The former linebacker will become the youngest coach in the NFL and the 15th head coach of the New England Patriots. Ryan gives his best bets for each game of Super Wild Card Weekend. Including his best props for each game.

After 24 seasons and 6 Lombardi Trophies Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots are parting ways. Belichick will likely cause a stagnate coaching carousel until he decides on his next move. Nick Saban's legendary career has come to an end. The Alabama head coach has decided to retire after 17 seasons and 6 national championships in Tuscaloosa. Ryan provides an early look at this weekends loaded super wildcard slate.

Michigan defeated Washington 34-13 to take home their first title in 26 years. After climbing the top of the mountain what's next for Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh? NFL head coaching vacancies are starting to pile up and a return to the league has been rumored for years. After a disappointing showing in the National Championship, Ryan isn't swayed by one bad game for Michael Penix Jr. He still believes Washington's QB is the best in college football. Mike Vrabel has been fired as head coach of the Tennessee Titans. If the Patriots do move on from Bill Belichick, Vrabel is the perfect candidate to replace him.

Several teams are fighting to lock up their playoff spot. Ryan continues his game by game breakdown of all the Week 18 matchups. Including his favorite sides and prop bets. Plus, the preseason prediction that played out exactly as expected

Ryan has been on the Michael Penix Jr. Bandwagon for a long time and now its starting to fill up. Which is the main reason Ryan is backing Washington one more time to take home the National Championship... well at least to cover. The Baltimore Ravens are not favored to win the Super Bowl, despite beating the team who is (49ers). Regardless of what the odds are, Ryan is convinced they are the team to beat. All eyes will be on what the Bears do with this off season with the 1st overall pick. Either trade Justin Fields and essentially start over with a rookie QB. Instead, they could trade the pick away to get a kings ransom and solidify Fields as the QB of the future.

The Browns cliched an unlikely playoff birth with a 20-37 win over the Jets. Joe Flacco, fresh off the couch mid-season, threw 3 TD's in a showcase of what could've been for the Jets. Following a lost season, it still appears there will be no changes to the Jets other than getting Aaron Rodgers back. Ryan gives his best bets for the rest of the week 17 slate. As well as his favorites in the New Year Six bowl games.

The Chiefs were supposed to lock up the AFC West on Christmas Eve but the Raiders had other ideas. Patrick Mahomes was visibly upset on the sidelines and KC just never found their groove. The Lions on the other hand clinched the NFC North for the first time since 1993. After Lamar Jackson's 2 TD game and Purdy's 4 INT's, Lamar jumped ahead of the 49er duo to be the odds on favorite for MVP, Ryan gives his best bets for the final TNF game of the season.

Puka Nacua and the Rams put a big blow to the Saints playoff hopes while strengthen their own playoff chances. Nacua is starting to take the #1 WR role from Cooper Kupp and last nights 9 rec 164 yds was an impressive showing towards OROY. Mike Tomlin is in danger of having his first losing season as head coach of the Steelers. Sitting at 7-7, Pittsburgh hosts the Bengals this week and then closes out the season with Seattle and the Ravens. Ryan gives his bets for the rest of the NFL holiday slate this weekend.

Drew Lock mounted a game winning drive to beat the Eagles and keep the Seahawks playoff hopes alive. The loss marked the third in a row for Philadelphia as their hopes of repeating as the number seed in the NFC start to fade. The Jets are officially eliminated from playoff contention and extend their playoff drought to 13 seasons, the longest active streak in the 4 major leagues. Aaron Rodgers has been activated off IR but wont play. Walking back the goal of stepping onto the field before the years end. We now wait to see if any heads roll for the disastrous season in New York. Ryan gives his best bets for tonight's game between the Saints and Rams.

The Chargers took the field Thursday night and instantly quit. LA found themselves down 42-0 at halftime. The 3 point underdogs ultimately lost 63-21. The blowout loss was the final straw for Head Coach Brandon Staley and GM Tom Telesco who were fired on Friday. Ryan gives out his best bets and props for each game on the NFL slate this weekend.

The Patriots have been rumored to be moving on from head coach Bill Belichick following the season. Ryan speculates that half the NFL will be calling. Cam Newton called several QB's including Dak Prescott and Tua Tagovailoa just "game managers" and not difference makers. But, where did the negative connotation for "game managers" come from? A great game manager isn't a detractor but a winnable skillset. Tonight's TNF game is not the marquee match up we thought we would. Two back up QB's lead what could be a defensive chess match, is a 0-0 tie on the table?

The Cowboys defeated the Eagles at home in lopsided 33-13 victory. The statement win puts the Cowboys in first place in the NFC East and shows they can compete with the best of the NFC. The Chiefs appeared to have a game winning TD, but it was called back for offensive offsides. Is the second straight loss for KC concerning? Tonight we get two MNF games, Ryan gives his best bets.

In the most heavily bet under play in years, the over cashed in the first half. The Steelers playoffs hopes and Mike Tomlin's winning season streak took a hit on Thursday night in a loss to the Patriots. Three teams go into Sunday (Eagles, Cowboys and 49ers) with a chance to clinch a playoff berth. Does that effect how Ryan approaches his best bets? On Saturday night, a new Heisman Trophy winner will be announced. Quarterbacks lead the way but does Ryan's rankings match up?

The SEC had a down year and still got in the playoff. Ryan makes a case for FSU and their ability to compete without Jordan Travis. Ryan stuck up for Jake Browning after Joe Burrow's injury. On Monday night he looked like a starting QB leading the Bengals to their first Monday night road win since 1990. Ryan looks ahead to the TNF game between the Patriots and Steelers.

It may not have been their most convincing win but the Cowboys show they can withstand punches. We've seen the best teams like Detroit and Philadelphia find ways to claw back and get a win, last night the Cowboys did just that. This weekend has the potential to cause a lot of chaos for the CFB committee and lets just say we want it all. Ryan gives his best bets for NFL and college football.

The Meteoric rise of Joshua Dobbs came to end on Monday night. Dobbs threw 4 int's and just one TD in the Vikings 12-10 loss to the Bears. The Vikings will now be evaluating the QB position over the bye week. The Panthers fired Head Coach Frank Reich after 11 games continuing the revolving door of coaches since David Tepper bought the team. The only thing the Reich firing shows is that Steve Wilks might've been the best man for the job. Ryan gives his best bets for Thursday night's matchup between the Seahawks and Cowboys

It might not have been Hurt's best game of the season but he battled the elements and got revenge on the Chiefs. Making Hurts the new frontrunner for MVP (+250). Steelers OC Matt Canada was the second OC fired in as many weeks. The offense has looked disastrous all season and this may be the last chance for Kenny Pickett to save his job. The next five days are filled with football! Black Friday offers the first NFL game and rivalry weekend dominates the final weekend of college football. Ryan breaks down the NFL slate and all the big games for this holiday weekend.

The Jets let frustration get the best of them Sunday. As evident by Sauce Gardner's suplex on Stefon Diggs and their attempt to tackle Khalil Shakir on his 81 yd TD. The Jets announced that Tim Boyle will be under center for Friday's game against the Dolphins. The Steelers have been anemic on offense ranking near the bottom of every offensive category. The Steelers are 13-9 with Pickett at the helm but his flashes have not outweighed the consistently bad play. Ryan gives his best bets for tonight's Super Bowl rematch between the Chiefs and Eagles.

Joe Burrow suffered a torn ligament in his throwing wrist and will require surgery, sidelining him for the rest of the season. Back up QB Jake Browning caught a lot of strays online after replacing Burrow. Is any of the criticism warranted before even playing a full game? What Burrows' injury means for the AFC and how the door is opening for one team. Ryan previews the biggest games for week 12 in CFB. While also giving his best bets and props for each NFL matchup this weekend.

Mac Jones was pulled from the Patriots loss to the Colts in Europe. Now it appears the situation is getting worse for the struggling QB. Reports have now come out that Jones has lost the support of a 'Vast Majority' of the locker room. Tonight's AFC North matchup between the Ravens and Bengals is the first of the three great primetime matchups. While Ryan hates to put the season on any one game, tonight's game is bigger than usual for Cincinnati. The 5-4 Bengals are last place of the AFC North and teetering on the brink of a lost season. Adding more pressure Cincy will be without WR Tee Higgins. Will it effect Ryan's play on the game?

The 49ers have put an end to their losing streak after dismantling the Jaguars. It reminds everyone what the 49ers are capable of despite their tough stretch. The addition of CJ Stroud has put the Texans back into relevancy and vying for a playoff spot. Is it enough to start putting Stroud in the MVP conversation? The Patriots have lost another game and for the first time under Belichick the Pats are 2-8 in a season. An uninspired brand of football makes it clear they have lost the fire that once drove them to championships.

First overall pick Bryce Young has struggled in his rookie year. We've seen plenty of rookie QB's struggle and figure it out, so is it too early to be worried? The same can be said for Head Coach Frank Reich. Should the Panthers be worried they are in the same situation the Raiders found themselves in with Josh McDaniels? The Jets on the other hand seem to know exactly what they have with Zach Wilson and they are sticking with their guy. While they tried to remedy the situation in the offseason with the addition of Rodgers. They are content going as long as they need with Wilson. One of the marquee matchup's this week in college football is the Michigan/Penn St. game. Leaving out the fact the Michigan could land themselves into trouble over the sign stealing scandal, this is the Nittany Lions last attempt to get into the college football playoff. Ryan previews every game in the NFL and the rest of the big games in college football.

The Jets offense has been dreadful. Much of the blame has been placed on QB Zach Wilson. While there is no sugarcoating it, Wilson has not been good. The game plan has yet to be adjusted in an effort to get the offense going. Which falls on the shoulders of OC Nathaniel Hackett. Tonight's game lacks the glitz and glamour of a big NFL matchup. The Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young is coming off the worst game of his career and the Bears will once again turn to backup QB Tyson Bagent. In what should be a low scoring affair, Ryan finds ways to get you in the green.

After having to learn the playbook on the sidelines, practice his snap cadence before entering, Josh Dobbs lead the Vikings to a comeback win over the Falcons. An impressive debut for the journeyman quarterback who was traded just five days earlier. Hate to say it Chiefs fans, but the Baltimore Ravens have it all figured out. With a top 10 defense and offense they continue to look like the best team in the AFC week in and week out. Is it safe to say the AFC will be going through Baltimore this winter? Tonight, the Jets could be the lone AFC East team to record a win and put them right at the top of the division. Ryan gives his best bets for MNF.

The Miami Dolphins have lost just two games this seasons. Both losses came from the Eagles and Bills, two Super Bowl favorites. Their upcoming matchup against the Chiefs is a much needed chance to prove they can beat a playoff team. A ranked match up between 5 Washington and 20 USC is just another chance for the Pac 12 to cannibalize itself out National Championship contention. Ryan picks every NFL game as well as this weeks biggest college football matchups.

Josh McDaniels was fired Tuesday, putting an end to his tumultuous run as head coach of the Raiders. LB coach Antonio Peirce will take over as interim head coach against his former team the New York Giants. There were a flurry of deals at the trade deadline. The Washington Commanders were very busy trading away defensive end's Montez Sweat and Chase Young. The Bears traded for Sweat in exchange for a 2nd round pick but without a guarantee he will resign it's an odd move for the struggling Bears to make. Ryan gives out his midseason awards and his DROY is not getting the respect he deserves.

The Chargers get back on track behind a healthy Austin Ekeler and Justin Herbert's 3 TD's. Joe Burrow and Ja'marr Chase hooked up for 100 yds and a TD to beat the Niners 31-17. The Duo of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb were unbeatable, connecting for over 150yds and 2 TD's in their dominating win over the Rams. On the opposite side of the spectrum the Giants and Jets competed for the record of punts in a game and came up just two shy. The Prop Queen Ariel Epstein joins Ryan to give her best bets for Monday Night Football.

It doesn't matter how you get the win in the NFL, the Bills have proven that this year. They've made it a habit of letting teams hang around. Last night was the same situation as the Bills were just a near Hail Mary away from losing to the Buccaneers who they were 9 point favorites against. Ryan previews the CFB slate headlines by the Georgia/Florida game. Ryan also gives his best bets for NFL week 8.

Highly touted Head Coach Josh McDaniel's has been a huge disappointment for the Raiders. Following a 6-11 record his first season in Las Vegas, the Raiders are now 3-4, and have begun looking for a trade partner for WR Hunter Renfrow. How long can the Raiders stick with McDaniels? The Titans are waving the white flag on the season following a trade that sent one of their best defensive players, Saftey Kevin Byard to the Eagles. Howie Rosman once again finds a way to make the already 6-1 Eagles even better. The Late Kick's Josh Pate joins the SL talking all things CFB. The Michigan Scandal, PSU's James Franklin on the hot seat, previewing this weeks game and reveals his final four.

The Eagles were able to stifle the Dolphins run game and made the Dolphins one dimensional. Having faced a lot of the bottom feeder teams in the NFL, does this loss change the way you view of the Dolphins? Kansas City has looked like the best team in the league. Whether its Taylor Swift magic or most likely the fact they are Led by Mahomes and Kelce, the two best at their position. It seems the road to the Superbowl will once again go through Kansas City. The Bills are in a identity crisis. After barley beating the Giants, the 1-5 Patriots gave them all they could handle. Ryan previews MNF between the 49ers and the Vikings. Including best bets and a same game parlay.

The Bills failed to score more points than they were favored by in Sunday night's win over the Giants. With injuries starting to mount, the Bills will be in trouble if they cant figure out how to shake off slow starts. Bill Belichick has not found the same success he had during the Tom Brady era. The Patriots are heading towards a high draft pick and new QB. Will a coaching change also follow another disappointing season in Foxborough? The Cowboys and Chargers end week 6 in the NFL on MNF. Ryan gives his best bet and prop for the game.

It just continues to get worse in the Mile High City. The Broncos struggled to move the ball and Russell Wilson threw two picks. What was supposed to be a rebirth has become a dumpster fire in Denver. The college football slate features 3 ranked matchups. Ryan gives his best bets for an exciting weekend, starting with Friday night's Stanford/Colorado match up. Following double digit spread on TNF there are three more spreads over ten points. Large numbers used to scare us but will the underdogs stay quiet this week? On top of ATS picks, Ryan gives his best player props for each game.

Ryan previews Thursday Night Football between the Broncos and Chiefs. The spread is starting to climb, is the divide between Denver and KC that big? Travis Kelce's injury is just one on a long list of star players that have found themselves with an injury designation. Justin Jefferson and Dolphins breakout De'Von Achane will miss at least 4 games after being added to the IR. Does it seem like more star players are getting injured this season?

The 49ers dominated every aspect of the game against the Cowboys on SNF. Brock Purdy continues to be nearly perfect with 9 td's, 0 int's this seasons. Yet, he still isn't getting the respect he deserves. The automatic 2 yard Brotherly Shove has yet to be recreated and still cannot be stopped. Once again the Eagles use their popular play to remain undefeated and cash another Hurts anytime TD. Ryan recaps the rest of the Sunday slate and previews tonight's Packers/Raiders game.

The Bears have finally ended their 14 game losing streak with a 40-20 win over the Commanders. DJ Moore brought in 3 TD's and racked up 230 yds. On Friday, the Bears announced they've traded disgruntled wide receiver Chase Claypool to the Dolphins for a late round pick. Ryan goes game by game for Sunday's NFL slate. As well as his best bets for the biggest college games this weekend.

The Broncos have cut DE Randy Gregory, costing the team $70 Million. Following a 5 year deal in 2022, Gregory has seen his role diminish. Disgruntled RB Johnathan Taylor has joined the Colts this week. He says he's 100% healthy and ready to contribute right away. FSU has knocked off conference foe Clemson and 23 LSU on their way to a 4-0 start. Head Coach Mike Norvell talks about the Seminoles hot start. Ryan previews TNF between the Bears and Commanders.

The Giants offense continues to struggle as they managed to put up just 12 points against the 49ers. Could Big Blue be regretting the pay day QB Daniel Jones received in the off season? The Prop Queen Ariel Epstein and Ryan discuss their best bets for Sunday's NFL slate. Ryan adds his favorite picks for a packed college football slate.

When asked about early season struggles Justin Fields said "It could be coaching". Fields added he needed to play better, but talking from experience Ryan reiterates the starting QB cant place blame. It seemed certain that as soon as Nick Chubb got injured the first call the Browns would make would be to Free Agent RB Kareem Hunt. He joins the 1-1 Browns on a 1 year $4 million deal. The Giants have looked miserable for 6 quarters and world beaters for two. Without RB Saquon Barkley and OT Andrew Thomas, Ryan isn't expecting the Giants to get the win, but can they cover?

The Steelers defense carried them to victory at home against the Browns. Behind two pick six's, the Steelers extended the Browns regular season winless streak in Pittsburgh since 2003. Nick Chubb suffered a gruesome knee injury that prompted ESPN not to show the replay. Chubb's injury is feared to be season ending and a huge blow to the Browns offense. There's been some controversy following the late hit that sent Colorado receiver Travis Hunter to the hospital. Hunter will be out for at least the next 3 weeks. Colorado States Henry Blackburn has now received death threats following the hit. Ryan talks about how the backlash has started to get out of hand.

Tua Tagovailoa has quickly climbed the odds board for MVP. He currently second (+650) behind last years MVP Patrick Mahomes (+600). However after two games the best player in the NFL has been Micah Parsons. After single handedly destroying the Giants and Jets. Parsons is now the favorite to win Defensive Player Of The Year (+135) but should he be in consideration for MVP (+7000)? The Bengals looked very rusty in week one's loss to the Browns. Week two against the Ravens was more encouraging. Does a hobbled Joe Burrow raise the concern level for the Bengals? The Prop Queen Ariel Epstein is back to help preview the two MNF games. Giving her best props for each team and Ryan gives his best bets to cap off week two in the NFL.

Ryan and the Prop Queen Ariel Epstein breakdown every NFL game for week 2. Including their favorite prop bets from each game. Ryan looks at this weeks top matchups in college football. Texas Tech Head Coach Joey McGuire joins Ryan to discuss the Red Raiders next game against Tarleton State, which Ryan will be on the call for. As well as Texas Tech's tough start to the season.

The Eagles will host the Vikings tonight, but Philadelphia will be without CB James Bradberry and RB Kenneth Gainwell. Gainwell has been key in late game situations and Bradberry has been a great addition for the secondary since being added last season. Is it enough to sway Ryan from backing the birds and just sticking with the total? Jets HC Robert Saleh said he "would be shocked" if Rodgers retired following his Achilles injury. The Bears are not very pleased with WR Chase Claypool and are considering benching him for week 2. The Bears traded the 32nd overall pick for the up and coming wide receiver.

The Jets had everything going their way all offseason. Metlife hadn't been louder than when Rodgers entered wearing gang green colors, holding the American flag. Four snaps into his tenure with the Jets everything changed. Is the season over for the Jets, despite beating the Bills? There's no one the Jets can get to fill the void left by Rodgers. It's time to back Zach Wilson and let the defense carry the team. The Colorado Buffalos have become the nations favorite team, if nothing else, the betting favorites. Coach Deion Sanders and Colorado did not disappoint in his first game at home against Nebraska. Chris Jones ends his holdout after missing the season opener. The incentive-laden deal is worth up to $25 million.

The day Jets fans have been waiting for is finally here. Aaron Rodgers will suit up for his first game in a Jets uniform. It seems like New York has done everything right this offseason. Tonight, Ryan thinks the season could be hanging on by a thread. It could all unravel if the Jets lose tonight and have to travel to Dallas next week. The Prop Queen Ariel Epstein gives her best prop bets for MNF and Ryan gives his favorite SGP. The Cowboys dominated Metlife Stadium on Sunday night and the 49ers looked amazing against the Steelers. Showing that the NFC does run through the Dallas or San Francisco.

Ryan and the Prop Queen Ariel Epstein go game by game for Sunday's NFL slate. Ryan looks to build on the success from last season. Already 1-0 this year, Ryan's best bet is for a rookie WR to have an impactful debut. Can Bryce Young become the first QB since 2002 (David Carr) to win his first start after being draft first overall? The country fell in love with the Colorado Buffaloes last week following their upset win over TCU. Are they due to regress against Matt Rhule and the Nebraska Cornhuskers? A full show covering every big game over the weekend.